Date of Award

2002

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Psychology

Abstract

Cancer involves considerable physical and psychological complications. This reality, along with longer life expectancy, promotion of patient choice regarding life-sustaining measures, and concerns regarding distribution of health care funds highlight the need to focus on quality as well as quantity of life for individuals dealing with this disease. Although a relationship between psychosocial factors and quality of life in cancer patients has been speculated, the type and degree of influence is currently unclear. Using multiple regression analysis, potential predictors of quality of life for cancer patients were examined. Among the predictors considered were social support, spirituality, and psychological distress. The sample consisted of 65 adult cancer outpatients recruited through a radiation treatment center in a mid-sized, Midwestern city. Participants completed the Quality of Life Inventory-Cancer Version III, Systems of Belief Inventory-15R, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Psychological Distress Inventory, and a demographic questionnaire. Results revealed that psychological distress significantly contributed to total quality of life as well as quality of life subscales related to health and functioning and psychological and spiritual domains. Spirituality was predictive only of the psychological and spiritual quality of life domain. Social support was not a statistically significant predictor of any aspect of quality of life. No predictor was significantly correlated with social and economic or family quality of life. Implications of this study and recommendations for future research are discussed.

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